Ateneo Blue Eagles: Back to the bonfire!

After winning back-to-back champion titles in the UAAP, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have some of the most impressive statistics.

Five hours. That’s how long they were signing autographs during the traditional bonfire celebration last Saturday.

And an estimated 10,000 people — that’s the massive crowd they drew that evening. 

It was a grand get-together of all generations of Ateneans and fans, young and old. Held at the Ateneo Grade School Complex, the celebration, dubbed “Back 2 The Bonfire,” began with a thanksgiving Mass at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater led by Ateneo president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres.

Coach Norman Black and graduating star players Jai Reyes, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Nonoy Baclao were undoubtedly the biggest crowd favorites. But I couldn’t help noticing a young girl going gaga over Nico Salva. She held up a big sign that read: “Salva! My Axeman :) Call me: 0916-xxxxxxx!”

After the program, the bonfire was lit and everyone proudly sang the school anthem. Coach Norman and his players capped the night off with an autograph signing session that started 10 p.m. and lasted until 3:30 a.m..

Fans asked the players to sign all kinds of objects — from jerseys, caps, posters and cheering paraphernalia to magazine covers, article clippings, umbrellas, the backs of the shirts they were wearing and the rubber shoes on their feet. They all patiently stood in line for hours just to meet and greet their heroes.

Commemorating 150 years, the back-to-back champion titles of the Blue Eagles was a slam-dunk for Ateneo de Manila’s celebration! The 15-day countdown to 150 starts on Nov. 25 with a series of events. On Dec. 10, the school celebrates its 150th anniversary with a Grand Sesquicentennial Anniversary Mass. Mark your calendars on Dec. 12 for the Sesquicentennial One Big Night & Grand Alumni Homecoming. Yes, this is the Ateneo way!

* * *

For more info, log on to www.admu.edu.ph.